Question:
Do most people after a large amount of weight lost have extra skin?

I am just wondering if the majority of people have excessive amounts of loose skin even if they exercise religously. I have about 90 pounds to loose & BMI of 41.6, hoping to have surgery in August or Sept. & workout with Curves to keep a little more muscletone, but not really loosing much pre-op. Thanks! Dawn    — dawnie125 (posted on June 29, 2007)

June 29, 2007
It always depends on a number of factors. How much water you are drinking now will determine how elastic your skin is and whether it sags or not, how old you are, how long you have been obese, your genes etc...the list goes on and on. Only time will tell if you will have extra skin or not. I do exercise religiously and I can tell I'm definately going to have extra, loose skin. God Bless!
   — crystalsno

June 29, 2007
Hi Dawn: I have about the same amount to lose as you do and I'm almost at goal. I have very little loose skin I think in part to exercising for almost 5 years prior to surgery and exercising almost immediately post op...I also go to Curves and it has helped tremendously. Also, I gained most of my weight in the past 17 years as a diabetic so I guess it bounced back. I also drink my allotted amount and keep busy and active which I think is very important. Even if I did have more loose skin, I would still think the results are worth it. Some people do have lots of extra/loose skin and I do feel badly for them.
   — Sheri A.

June 29, 2007
Hi Dawn, I agree with Shari, If you work out a lot and drink lots of water you will have to have less plastic surgery. I attende a seminar on Tuesday with a bariatric surgeon, Dr. Lee from Valley Care in Pleasanton California. He made the staement that most people do not have to have a lot of plastic surgery if they exercise and have a BMI of less then 45 at the time of surgery. So, you should be in good shape. Age is also a factor. Even though my BMI and weight is lower, I am almost 65, that alone tells me my skin has les collogine so I may sage a lot more then others..
   — bderuiter

June 30, 2007
Hi Dawn, I really applaude your efforts to exercise prior to surgery, it will pay off in so many ways. I, like you didn't want to lose much weight prior to surgery because my BMI was so close to 40, but the exercise will get you up faster after surgery and get you started moving after surgery, so you go girl! The answer to your question is that you probably will have some skin issues. Like it or not, we have abused our bodies for years, and the consequence of that is we are not gonna get tight skin when we lose the fat. Think of ways to celebrate this though. If it doesn't bother your spouse (if you have a spouse), then don't let it bother you. I call my theighs my charpea puppies, mut and jeff. They are horrible, but only me and my husband know. Spandex nylons and slacks keep them from the jiggle, and I am content with that. I did have a tt, as my gyn recommended it, and am thinking about having my arms done, but don't know if I will. It is a huge surgery to go through, the tt, so I don't know if I want to do that again, but am thankful, so very thankful for the health benefits of wls. I can take the skin compared to the obesity. Take care. There is much to celebrate! Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

July 1, 2007
if you have a large hang stomach now you will have a large flap afterwards. if you see someone that once weighted 400 pounds and now is a size 4 and has a flat toned belly and says that did it all with exercise they are full of it. They had a tummy tuck. A girdle can hide alot, I have hanging skin on my upper arms but I have seen the scars from the skin being removed I will take the flab. I had a tummy tuck and I still have loose skin I had it too soon.
   — DonnaB.

July 1, 2007
well so far , i lost 37 bl. i take 3 protein shakes a day and i work out and do weights aswell . my skinn isnt sagging. thank god actual its tone. i guess it depend on your age and if you loose it fast. me im loosing slow but im staying tight. except my tummy
   — yvettetas

July 4, 2007
It depends on many factors, although I disagree that drinking wter has anything to do with it. I You don't have much weight to lose, so you might be okay. I have so much excess skin, that I can't wear small clothes that fit me elsewhere, because my belly is too big. My underarm wings and legs are also huge with excelss skin. Very depressing, because I cannot afford plastic surgery. It has nothing to do with muscle tone, it is like blowing up a balloon and then letting the air out. No matter how much you firm the underlying muscle, it has nothing to do with the skin. I still think it is better to be healthy.
   — Novashannon

July 8, 2007
It sounds like you are about the size I was presurgery. My BMI was 42 and I weighed 240 pounds. I choose the lapband and had great success - I weigh 127 now. Dr. Srikanth performed my surgery in January 2003. I began exercising shortly after, walking and doing yoga. I maintained this exercise regimen for over four years, but still had excess skin on my inner thighs and lower stomach. After being at a healthy weight for four years with lots of exercise and no tightening of the loose skin, I decided to have a tummy tuck. Dr. Srikanth did my tummy tuck on April 4 of this year. I am extremely happy with the results. I do still have a little loose skin on my inner thighs, but that is livable. Whether you will have excess skin remains to be seen, but believe me when I say even if you do, you will love the results of weight loss surgery!
   — VickiStevens